Caregivers are the heart and home of Child, Youth and Family. They are ordinary people who do an extraordinary job in providing love, care and support to the children who can't live with their own families.
When children can't live with their own family, the thing that makes the biggest difference is a home and family where they know they belong. Find out more about giving a foster child a home for life
As a caregiver, or foster carer, your care can make the world of difference to a child who needs you.
Find out why your care matters
Our caregivers come from all walks of life. You don't need to be married, well-off, have a large house or even have children of your own. What you need is a big heart and the passion to make a difference.
Find out who can be a caregiver
A caregiver is a friend, trusted adult, counsellor, advocate and teacher. They help heal hurt children, give them safe boundaries, and help them build trust in others.
Find out what a caregiver as part of a caregiving team does
There's a huge variety of ways you can make a difference to our children's lives. You might be able to give a night or a weekend to give other carers a break, or you may want to welcome a child into your home for a longer time.
Find out about the different types of care you can give
We want to do our best for you, so that you can do your best for the children in your care. Your social worker is there to support you, and you'll also work closely with your child's social worker. We'll give you financial assistance to make sure you can give your child what they need.
Find out about the support we will give you.
Our caregivers are special people who provide love, patience and acceptance to the children who need it most. If you think you have what it takes, then we would love to hear from you.
Find out about applying to be a caregiver
We offer an extensive range of practical training, absolutely free for caregivers. This provides simple, down-to-earth help on all aspects of caregiving.
Find out more about the National Caregiver Training Programme
We want you to help us celebrate the outstanding young people who are in care, many of whom have overcome significant barriers and gone on to great achievements.
Find out how you can nominate a young person you know for a William Wallace award
Our real life stories of everyday people, show how caregivers change the lives of children and young people every day, through their love, care and commitment.
Read our real life stories
